Childhood Apraxia of Speech

Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a neurological speech disorder that affects children, making it difficult for them to produce sounds, syllables, and words. It is also known as verbal dyspraxia or developmental apraxia of speech.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of CAS is not fully understood, but research suggests that it may be related to:

• Genetic factors: Family history may play a role in the development of CAS.
• Brain structure and function: Abnormalities in the brain's speech and language centers may contribute to CAS.
• Prenatal and perinatal factors: Premature birth, low birth weight, and prenatal exposure to toxins may increase the risk of developing CAS.

Symptoms

Children with CAS may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Difficulty articulating sounds, syllables, and words
• Distorted or incorrect pronunciation of sounds
• Difficulty sequencing sounds and syllables
• Struggling to initiate speech or finding the right words
• Groping or struggling to produce sounds
• Vowel and consonant errors
• Syllable structure difficulties

Diagnosis

CAS is typically diagnosed by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) through a comprehensive assessment, which may include:

• Speech and language evaluation
• Oral-motor examination
• Articulation and phonological testing
• Language sampling and analysis

Treatment

The primary treatment for CAS is speech therapy, which focuses on:

• Improving articulation and pronunciation of sounds
• Enhancing syllable structure and sequencing skills
• Developing language skills, such as vocabulary and grammar
• Increasing overall communication effectiveness

Prognosis

The prognosis for children with CAS varies depending on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of treatment. With intensive speech therapy, many children with CAS can make significant progress and develop effective communication skills.

Additional Resources

For more information on childhood apraxia of speech, please visit:

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
• Apraxia Kids
• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)